Breastfeeding pattern, anthropometry and health status of infants attending child welfare clinics of a teaching hospital in Nigeria

Objective: To determine the breastfeeding pattern and its relationship with the physical growth and health status of infants aged 0–24 weeks.Design and setting: A prospective cohort study was carried out at three comprehensive health centres of Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Anambra State (Nigeria) from September 2006 to June 2007. The feeding pattern, body weight, length and morbidity of 228 infants were assessed at birth, 6, 10, 14, 20 and 24 weeks when they visited the child welfare clinics for routine immunisations or on appointment. The infants were recruited from the immunisation registers by a systematic random sampling method. Based on their current feeding pattern during the period under study, infants were classified into exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) and non-exclusive breastfeeding (non-EBF) groups. Data analysis was carried out using SPSS and Epi Info statistical computer software. A probability value (p-value) of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results: The EBF rate declined progressively from 64.9% at birth to 37.3% at 24 weeks of age. Maternal older age, multiparity and delivery at a government health facility were positively associated with higher rates of EBF (p < 0.05). Only 110 (48.2%) babies were put to the breast immediately (≤ 1 hour) after delivery. The numbers that received colostrum and prelacteal feed were 118 (82.5%) and 59 (25.9%), respectively. On-demand breastfeeding was more popular than timed feeding (95.5% vs 7.5%; p < 0.05). At 24 weeks of age EBF males and females achieved a better and more rapid growth in weight and length compared to those in the non-EBF group (p = 0.000). Episodes of diarrhoea and fever were significantly associated with non-EBF (p = 0.000).Conclusion: The study revealed that EBF had a positive effect on the physical growth and health status of infants, but the rate of EBF was low. It is suggested that activities that promote appropriate breastfeeding practices should be targeted at mothers and locations in which poor breastfeeding practices exist.Keywords: breastfeeding pattern; anthropometry; health status; infant

Life History Patterns and Reproduction in the Threespine Stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus L.)

This thesis describes research on life history patterns and reproduction in the three spined stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus L.) from three Scottish populations. The populations are from Rivers Kelvin and Luggie and the Aurs Burn which are broadly similar habitats located in and around Glasgow. Age structure of the populations was studied using length frequency distribution and otolith analysis and both methods showed the life span of the fish to be just over a year, with a few females of the River Kelvin and Aurs Burn surviving to two years. Although the patterns of length frequency distribution of the three populations were generally the same, Kelvin fish were longer and heavier compared to fish from the other two populations. Most sticklebacks from these populations reproduce in the breeding season of the year following hatching when they are about a year old. However in all three populations, some fail to reproduce at this age. There is a protracted breeding season from April to August and there is evidence to suggest that those fish that do not breed at one year are offspring bred at the end of the previous season. They only reach maturity when the breeding season is almost over and therefore are not able to reproduce. The chances of this group of fish surviving to breed in the subsequent year at age two plus are very slim. Thus in these populations, there is a category of fish hatched late in the season which is extremely unlikely to breed at any stage of life. Monitoring the food intake of the sticklebacks showed that stomach fullness levels were low in winter and high just prior to the breeding season. No differences in food intake were found between the sexes or between age classes. Kelvin and Luggie fish of both sexes were however found to be consuming more food than the Aurs Bum fish. Quantitative histological examination of the gonads showed that the more mature stages of the ova were predominant in the females of all 3 populations during the breeding season, as would be expected. In the males, high levels of spermatozoa appeared at different times in the 3 populations. High levels could be seen in the Aurs Bum males as early as December but not until much later in males of the other two populations. Older and larger females had relatively heavier gonads and higher maturation scores and in Kelvin and Aurs Bum fish this was positively related to body condition. No relationship was found between age and relative gonadal weight in males, although older fish had more mature gonads. In one year old males from the Kelvin and Aurs Bum, a negative relationship was found between gonadal development and body condition. In fish from the Rivers Kelvin and Luggie, there was no relationship between percentage stomach fullness and body condition, suggesting that food is not limiting for these fish. However, Aurs Burn fish had a positive relationship between percentage stomach fullness and body condition. They also had the lowest food intake suggesting that food is in short supply. These fish appeared to be investing in growth and gonadal development at the expense of body condition. Since late hatched broods have little chance of breeding and so are less valuable, experiments were carried out at different stages of the breeding season to investigate allocation of time between nesting, territorial behaviour and self defense of parental males when at a risk of predation. These showed that male sticklebacks take risks to defend their young and that the intensity of this defense is greater in the presence of a brood. The presence of a predator affects this response; while males with eggs were attacking the conspecific intruder (placed near the nest) and visiting their nests more, males with empty nest tended to hide in the weed or investigate the predator. Males breeding early in the season showed a higher degree of parental investment compared to those breeding late in the season. This last result was attributed to the higher value of broods at the beginning of the breeding season. However, it remains enigmatic, since in these populations at least, the males have an almost non-existent chance of surviving to breed again in the next year

Energy Intake, Expenditure and Body Composition of Adolescent Boys and Girls in Public Boarding Secondary Schools in Umuahia, Nigeria

This was a cross sectional study conducted to determine the energy intake, expenditure and body composition of adolescent boys and girls aged 11-18 yrs in Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria. A multistage sampling technique was used to select a total of 416 subjects  consisting of 208 boys and 208 girls from six boarding secondary schools. The subjects were further stratified into 11-14 and 15-18 years age groups. Energy expenditure was  estimated by factorial method, body composition by anthropometry and energy intake by weighed inventory over a seven day period inclusive of a weekend day. The results showed that in the general group (11-18yrs), the adolescent boys were taller and heavier than the girls. The BMI was normal for both sexes, however, there was significant difference in the BMI of boys (19.9+2.6kg/m2) and girls (23.02+3.9kg/m2) in the 15-18 years age group. Generally, the adolescent girls had significantly higher body fat than boys (p&lt;0.05). Over 80% of food energy was derived from starchy foods for both sexes. The boys had higher energy intake and expenditure than the girls (P&lt;0.05). Energy intake and expenditure were below standards in both sexes. When compared with FAO/UNU/WHO standards the adolescents fell into the sedentary lifestyle group. Energy intake and expenditure were below standards in both sexes. The study showed that both sexes fell short of their energy requirements. Keywords: Energy intake, expenditure, adolescents, body composition, school

CHEMICAL ANALYSIS AND NUTRIENT ADEQUACY OF MAIZE GRUEL (PAP) SUPPLEMENTED WITH OTHER FOOD SOURCES IN NGOR-OKPALA LGA, IMO STATE, NIGERIA

This study was carried out to determine the chemical composition and nutrient adequacy of maize gruel (pap) supplemented with common food sources by mothers in Ngor-Okpala Local Government Area. Thirty-two (32) rural women each of whom had a child between 6 and 24 months participated in a focus group discussion. Common food sources used to complement pap were identified and analysed. Proximate, vitamin and mineral contents were determined using standard methods. Values were also compared with 65g estimates of the diets to determine its adequacy for infants. Data from the focus group were recorded in note books and audio tapes and later transcribed. Differences in the nutrient content of pap and pap mixes were determined using ANOVA. The common food sources added to pap from the focus group discussion were infant formula (PMILK), ground crayfish (PCRA), ground soybean (PSOY) and groundnut paste (PGRA). The protein content ranged from 2.17-28.70g, fat (0.80-25.05g), carbohydrate (46.11-95.98g), and energy (409.16-490-17kcal). Based on 65g estimates of the analysed pap and pap mixes, PSOY and PGRA met the fat requirements, while PCRA, PSOY and PGRA met protein requirement. The energy and mineral content of pap and pap mixes were found to be inadequate. Fortification of the local pap and pap mixes is therefore recommended.   Keywords: Maize gruel, pap, soybean, groundnut, crayfis

Effect of Germination on Cooking, Nutrient Composition and Organoleptic Qualities of African Yam Bean (Sphenostylis stenocarpa).

The study was carried out to determine the effect of germination on the nutritional and sensory qualities of African yam bean (AYB). The AYB seeds were germinated at 24, 48, 72 and 96 hrs. The ungerminated sample was used as control. Germinated and ungerminated samples were cooked separately and each sample was divided into three portions. Two third of each sample was served for sensory evaluation while one third of each sample was ground into paste and used for chemical analysis. Sensory evaluation was conducted using 40-man panelist. The result showed that AYB germinated for 96 hours (GN) had the shortest cooking time (115 minutes) and gave the best nutrient composition. Results for sensory evaluation showed that sample GN had the least acceptability in terms of colour, taste and flavor compared to other samples (P&lt;0.05). Germination can be used to improve nutrient composition and reduce cooking time and beany flavor of  the cooked AYB seeds. Key words: African yam bean, germination, cooking, organoleptic, nutrient.

Web-based tools and instructional delivery in selected secondary schools in Owerri education zone 1, IMO state

The study was carried out to determine Web-based tools for instructional delivery in selected secondary schools in Owerri education zone 1 of Imo State. Three research questions were posed that guided the study. The study adopted expost facto design. The study comprised of 250 teachers selected from 65 secondary schools in Owerri education zone I, of Imo state. The researchers developed instrument named "Web-Based Tools for Instructional Delivery Questionnaire (WDTIDQ)" to gather information for the study. The result revealed that teacher's awareness on facebook and e-mail is high; also teacher's usage of facebook and e-mail in teaching and learning in the selected secondary school is high. Furthermore, there exist challenges to the use of web-based tools for instructional delivery in the selected secondary schools in Owerri educational zone 1 of Imo State, such as, lack of power supply, lack of awareness, lack of basic computing skills on the part of the teachers, lack of Internet connectivity in most of the secondary schools investigated and high cost of information and communication technology (ICT) facilities in these selected schools etc. Following from the findings of the study, it was recommended among others that Web-based tools should be provided for teachers use in teaching and learning process. Also, effective and accessible electricity services should be in place in schools for ICT to thrive. It is believed that if these measures are put in place teaching and learning in the secondary schools will be at a par with the developed countries of the world

The Prevalence of Missed Opportunities for Immunization among Children Utilizing Immunization Services In NNAMDI AZIKIWE University Teaching Hospital, NNEWI

Immunization remains the most important and cost effective public health strategy for disease prevention. However, routine immunization coverage in Nigeria has continued to fall below average. Missed opportunities are one of the obstacles to raising immunization coverage among children, leading to resurgence of vaccine preventable diseases. This study was to determine the prevalence of missed opportunities for immunization against the eight diseases listed in the national programme on immunization (NPI) schedule and the associated factors in Nnamdi  Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, Nigeria. This was a cross sectional study involving 307 mother-neonate pairs attending the immunization clinic of Nnamdi Azikiwe Teaching Hospital, Nnewi between April and June 2010. The participants were recruited consecutively and interviewed with a semi-structured self-administered questionnaire. Most mothers (70.0%) had good knowledge of immunization and their main sources of information were the antenatal clinic (57.3%) and the media (27.0%). Their perception of immunization services in the teaching hospital was generally good (93.2%). The prevalence of missed opportunities for immunization was about 17%. Lack of vaccine(s), visit of client on a wrong day and vaccine not opened because of few clients were the major reasons for non-immunization, accounting for 44.2%, 36.6% and 15.4% respectively. The commonest vaccines missed were those given at birth and six weeks of age (BCG, OPV0, OPV1, HBV1 and DPT1). Mothers Age , education and knowledge of immunization were not significantly associated with missed opportunities. The identified reasons for missed opportunities in this study seem to be associated with the health facility. These should be addressed through adequate communication between mothers and health workers, training of health workers and policy flexibility. Keywords: missed opportunity, immunization, teaching hospital, Nnewi, Nigeria

Transcriptional silencing and activation of paternal DNA during Plasmodium berghei zygotic development and transformation to oocyst

The malaria parasite develops sexually in the mosquito midgut upon entry with the ingested blood meal before it can invade the midgut epithelium and embark on sporogony. Recent data have identified a number of distinct transcriptional programmes operating during this critical phase of the parasite life cycle. We aimed at characterizing the parental contribution to these transcriptional programmes and establish the genetic framework that would guide further studies of P lasmodium zygotic development and ookinete‐to‐oocyst transition. To achieve this we used in vitro and in vivo cross‐fertilization experiments of various parasite lines expressing fluorescent reporters under the control of constitutive and stage‐specific promoters. The results revealed that the zygote/ookinete stage exhibits a maternal phenotype with respect to constitutively expressed reporters, which is derived from either maternal mRNA inheritance or transcription of the maternal allele. The respective paternal alleles are silenced in the zygote/ookinete but reactivated after midgut invasion and transformation to oocyst. Transcripts specifically produced in the zygote/ookinete are synthesized de novo by both parental alleles. These findings highlight a putative role of epigenetic regulation of P lasmodium zygotic development and add substantially to the emerging picture of the molecular mechanisms regulating this important stage of malaria transmission

Differences between bone mineral density, lean and fat mass of HIV-positive and HIV-negative black women

Objectives: To investigate the differences between bone mineral density (BMD), lean and fat mass of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-) positive and HIV-negative black women and to investigate factors associated with low BMD.Methods: Case-control study of black women (n = 565) aged 29–65 years from Potchefstroom, North West province, South Africa, based on secondary analysis of data. Total BMD, left femur neck of the hip (LFN BMD), spine BMD, total fat, fat-free tissue mass and percentage body fat (%BF) were measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry.Results: HIV-negative women had significantly higher median BMD, %BF, appendicular skeletal mass (ASM), ASM index, body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference than HIV-positive women. When the groups were matched for age and BMI, only spine BMD was marginally lower in HIV-positive women. In the total group, age, smoking and HIV status were associated with lower BMD, while calcium intake was positively associated with BMD. Similar variables were associated with BMD in HIV-negative women, while age and educational status were associated with BMD in HIV-positive women.Conclusion: Low BMD was more common among HIV-positive than HIV-negative women. Older HIV-positive women with low educational status are particularly at risk

Workplace Fire Safety: Knowledge and Preparedness in a Public Tertiary Healthcare Facility in Abia State, South East Nigeria

Background: Fire outbreak in a healthcare facility presents enormous challenge and a need for rapid response. The purpose of this study was to&nbsp; examine fire safety (FS) knowledge of workers and preparedness measures in Federal Medical Centre Umuahia, Nigeria.Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 27 buildings and 310 employees from different units and departments, recruited by convenient non-&nbsp; probability sampling technique. A walk-through observational checklist and self-administered questionnaire were used to collect data which was&nbsp; analysed with SPSS software, version 20. Association between knowledge of FS and respondents’ working experience and FS training was measured&nbsp; using χ2- test. P ≤0.05 was assumed to be statistically significantResults: The highest proportion of participants were administrative staff 93 (30%), followed by medical doctors 80 (25.8%) and nurses 63 (20.3%).&nbsp; Only 28 (9.0%) had received training on FS, 109 (35.2%) knew how to operate a fire extinguisher, while 139 (41.9%) had knowledge of the location of&nbsp; fire extinguisher in their workplaces. Twenty-six (8.4%) knew the emergency number(s) to call if fire occurs. Only 107 (34.5%) of them had good&nbsp; knowledge of fire safety. Training on FS was significantly associated with knowledge of fire safety (p=0.026). All the buildings lacked necessary measures for FS.Conclusion: FS knowledge and level of preparedness were unsatisfactory in the hospital, which may constitute serious threat to the safety of&nbsp; workers and patients. The hospital management should implement regular FS training programmes for the workers to improve their knowledge, as&nbsp; well as put in place other FS measures